Disclaimer: Bucky 'O Hare created by Larry Hama, Star Fox is copyright Nintendo.

Within the halls of the Great Fox, the space aircraft carrier and dreadnought-class flagship that serves as mobile headquarters, launching platform, tactical support, and residence of the elite Star Fox squadron, Captain Bucky O'Hare wanders deep in thought. It had been a couple of days since he had arrived here, most of which was spent either looking after his team or wondering how long it would take for the toads to arrive. Having been the first one to wake up from the travel he had had the most time to learn about his new surroundings, in that short time he had come to realize one thing, the toads had made a mistake trying to take over this place!

The Lylat system was no stranger to conflict and was quite prepared for it, they had everything he wished the Genus sector had back home. A large fleet ready to protect their worlds and men and women ready to do it, even if they weren't part of the military. That brought him to his current companions, Star Fox, they were a group of mercenaries, mostly composed of dropouts and veterans. While normally he normally was apprehensive of mercenaries, team Star Fox had quickly earned his trust, they were noble individuals that simply wish to do things right, without the interference of the red tape that plagued organizations, he could respect that. They had shown him kindness and had agreed to help them, even after he explained the situation. To be honest, he was just glad they didn't think he was crazy, he knew how absurd the entire situation sounded, if not for his own experience with dimensional travel he might had thought it crazy himself.

While his thought for the unit as a hole was positive, his thoughts on certain individuals was a bit more complicated. First up was Fox McCloud, he seemed clever, fearless and a constant source of calm to his team, in short a good leader. But he appeared to be reckless and stubborn to a fault, that could be a problem in the future. Then there was Falco Lombardi, the records he had seen made him look like someone with a brash, cool, and collected attitude, being the ace pilot Falco specialises in flying rings around his foes, but his rebellious nature taken from his time being the leader of a gang of space hot rodders cause him to instinctively take more chances than most pilots and sometimes he pays dearly for his brashness getting caught in some situations in which he cannot escape, and relying on his team for assistance, often to his chagrin. In truth, he reminded him of a calmer Dead-Eye, with made him feel like a reliable ally if things got tough. Then there was Slippy, he wasn't sure what to feel about him, he was a great mechanic, he had seen that firsthand. He seemed like a nice guy, perhaps not the bravest or the most skilled, but certainly an integral part of the team, he liked him. But he was a toad, while this wasn't so much a problem for him, he wasn't sure how the others would react to him, Willy would likely love having someone to share notes with, Dead-Eye would want to kill him, he wasn't sure how Jenny and Bruiser would react, probably give him the benefit of the thought. He hopes they wouldn't escalate things; this whole thing was already hard on him as it was, he had seen his face when he told them about the empire. Krystal was an enigma; the team's telepathic advisor and additional fighter pilot was as mysterious as she was beautiful. She could supposedly read thought patterns and sense Distress Signals, which were vital for the Star Fox team as they help other planets. In truth, she reminded him of Jenny, the Aldebaran cat was equally as mysterious in her abilities, preferring to keep them secret, but she also shared her kindness as both were the first to show concern for those in need. And finally, there was Peppy, the old hare was definitely the team's mentor and father figure, he had frequently seen him giving valuable instructions and advice throughout the course of their following missions. He radiated a sense of experience, but also great loss and worry. He had been the one to reassure him that everything would be alright whenever he worried for his team, his presence carrying a familiarity that had but him at ease, he was glad he was by his side.

Speaking of his team, he was going to see them right now, happing been the first to awaken, he was allowed to roam the halls of the ship. They had told him that it was some distance to the nearest planet, and it would be good if he familiarized himself with the environment. Despite this, most of his days were spent in the infirmary, waiting for the others to awake. He worried for all of them, Willy specially, but he had been assured that they where fine and needed only to rest, the team's jumpy journey haven rendered them unconscious. He wondered how they would react to their new surroundings, Jenny would by amassed his stunt had worked, Dead-Eye would want to see what kind of firepower they were packing, and Willy… he would love just seeing the ship.

Sweet, naïve Willy, the boy that he had gotten caught up in the madness, genius or not no child should have to be in war. He wondered if he could even make it back home, he hoped he hadn't just stranded him away from everyone he knew. His parents must be worried sick for him, if the accelerator still worked, he would ask him to go and see them. He knew better than most how it felt to lose one's family. And those were just the members of his own crew, he still needed to check on the Mimi's.

As he made his way down the hall towards the infirmary he was met with a friendly face, a grinning green toad greeted him eagerly," Hey yaw, Bucky! Going to the sick bay, mind if I join!". Bucky thought of it for a second, "Sure thing, Slippy." He said calmly as he continued his way. Sometime after their short trip had begun Slippy stopped for a moment and asked," So, how long do you think I'll be before they come." He said looking up to him. "The empire? Hard to say, knowing them they'll be working nonstop to get their portal working again! It could be weeks; it could be days. It's hard to tell, which is why we need to get to Corneria as soon as possible. If they can help us in a counterattack, why might be able to spare this galaxy from the toads!" Bucky said determinedly, before catching himself and turning to his companion. To his surprise, instead of being offended Slippy seem to be deep in thought. "Do you think we can save them?" he said, and that was all he needed to say. Bucky knew what he meant, so taking a breath he looked him in the eye and answered truthfully, "I don't think so. They're not like you, those that weren't lobotomized fallow KOMPLEX willingly, they were always greedy, even before. I think at this point, theirs no hope in saving them, I wish I was wrong, I really do!" he said to him softly. "I figured, its just hard to believe that there a world out there where the toads us their tech for evil." He said solemnly. "Hey, I get how you feel. What if there was a universe out there where hares where dictators with everyone else under their feet! I know I would take it well!" Bucky told him with an out beat tone, causing both to laugh. "But we can think of those things now. We must focus on the treat at hand, and I know you'll be a great help with it!" he told him happily.

When they finally made it to the sick bay, they were eagerly greeted by Peppy, "Bucky! There you are, I was just going to look for you, come quick! Your friends are waking up." the old hare said eagerly. "WHAT! Really!" Bucky practically yelled out as he got inside the room, eager to put his worries at rest and happy to see his friends again.

Brightness, that was the first thing that came to Jenny's mind when she opened her eyes. "Where am I," she said in a daze, she could not recall much of what had happened. She could remember the battle against the toads, the discovery of their trans-dimensional portal, and their daring attempt to stop them from using it. Now it was all coming back to her, Bucky had decided to shoot the portal gate as they passed through it, the sudden interruption causing the portal to become unstable and violently tossed them around before they were rendered unconscious, knowing their luck something had exploded in the ship to, probably the new reactors.

Looking at her surroundings, she found herself in an unfamiliar place, it was clearly a sick bay but not one she recognized. Come to think of it, she could recognize most of the technology that surrounded her, more specifically, she could recognize its esthetic. All mayor factions in the Aniverse have some sort of distinct look to their equipment, put this was all new. Just where had she woken up in, had they truly managed to cross the barriers between dimensions? She had to make sure, so pulling all of her strength she tried to use her powers to contact her people, their telepathic connection was always a presence no matter the corner of the Aniverse she found herself in, but as she tried she felt nothing. Shocked, she had confirmed it for herself, they had actually managed to cross to another universe. But that still left the question of just who had placed her in this infirmary, where they friend or where they foe.

As she pondered this, she was greeted by a familiar face, a certain green rabbit whom she would follow to the ends of the world, or in this case dimensions. "Bucky! It's good to see a familiar face. Tell me, what happened, where are the others, are they all right." She quickly asked her captain. Bucky could only smile, "Good to see you too Jenny. Don't worry, the others are fine, they're right here." Bucky told her, gesturing to the other beds around her. Jenny could believe she missed them, but she supposed the whole ordeal had left her a little distracted. "That's a relieve, so I take it we were successful in making it through?" she asked. At this Bucky became a little more apprehensive, "We almost didn't, luckily we were found by people that were willing to help." Bucky answered her as the rest of team Star Fox made it to the room, Peppy haven gather them to meet their newcomers. "First mate Jenny, I'd like to introduce you to Team Star Fox, they have agreed to take us to the main planet in this sector, Planet Corneria. They have also agreed to help out in the coming conflict." He introduced her. Jenny nodded kindly to their saviors, a curious collection of creatures, two, in particular, catching her eye. The first was a green toad in a yellow jumpsuit, he had surprised her, but she quickly reminded herself that this was a different universe, with a different history, the big smile on his face helping to calm her down. The other was a blue vixen, unlike some other vixens she knew she could feel a sense of comradery with this one; as if something familiar was drawing her towards her. Her psionic powers briefly flaring up as she looked at her, the vixen must have noticed as she gave a smile and calmly introduced herself, "Hello there, Jenny. I am Krystal, a pleasure to meet you." "The pleasure is all mine; I can't thank you enough for your help," she said sincerely. "Think nothing of it, it what we do. Fox McCloud, leader of this team." Fox said as he shook her hand.

Getting up from the bed, she was quickly greeted by an old hare, "Easy there miss, you've been under for two days now. Your body needs to get used to moving again." He said with a concerned voice, which made her smile. "It's all right, this isn't my first time dancing with danger." She informed him as she stabilized herself. "So, I take it captain O'Hare has already informed you of our situation." "Affirmative, I admit it took us some time to understand him, but we're no strangers to the bizarre in this team. Don't worry, I'm sure the Cornerian fleet will agree to help you out." He told her, trying to put her at ease.

"That's a relieve, we could use all the help we can get." She responded gratefully. Turning to look at the others, she could not help but ask, "What of the others, when can we expect them to wake up?" Giving her a sympathetic look Krystal spoke up, "They weren't any worse than you, they should wake any moment now." She told her. As if in a queue, they were interrupted by the familiar sound of a crusty old seabird. "Shiver me timbers, what in tarnation happened! Bucky? Jenny? Where are we?" Dead-Eye Duck called out as he awoke with a jolt. Looking at his comrades he quickly noticed something amidst, "Bucky my boy! LOOK OUT!" he yelled as he launched himself toward Slippy! Fortunately for all, Bucky was quick to restrain him, "Easy there Dead-Eye! It's alright, these are our friends!" he told the old pirate. "Friends, have you gone mad lad! He's one of them toadies!" Dead-Eyed cried out accusatorily. "Remember the portal, this isn't our world, he's not like the toads we know." He reminded his gunner. "Who's not how we know?" called out a groggily voice from the back, Willy and Bruiser were slowly rising from their beds. "Willy! You're alright!" Jenny said excitedly as she ran towards him. "Good to have you back Bruiser!" said Bucky as he walked over to his friend. "Thanks guys, but what happened, I can't remember anything." Said Bruiser confused. "That's a long story my friend." Bucky said with a grin.

After he managed to get everyone on the same page, including the crew of the Screaming Mimi, Bucky prepared for his next move.

"So let my get this straight, not only are we stuck in another dimension, but we have no way to get back, or to know if the toads are coming. What if they take the opportunity to attack Genus while we're gone!?" exclaimed Captain Mimi LaFloo. "I understand your concern, but we all know that the toads are too prideful to just be content with stranding us here." Bucky explains. "They'll be coming, no doubt about that!" added Dead-Eye with certainty. "Besides, Commander Dogstar is still out there, I'm sure he can handle any stray toad patrol left behind." Jenny concluded. "That's right, for his faults Commander Dogstar is still a force to be reckon with, I wonder what he's up to right now." finished Bucky.

Aniverse, Planet Genus, earlier that day.

In the halls of the United Animals Coalition Security Council building, Commander Sirius Dogstar walked with urgency. The bloodhound was furious with the council's behavior, it had been days since they had lost contact with both the Righteous Indignation and the Screaming Mimi. While he understood their crews were composed of some of the more free-spirited members of the coalition, they would just remain silent for so long, something must have happened to them, he was sure! However, the council didn't see it that way, so sure that the war had been won that they had fallen back into a state of complacency, but he knew better. The toads were out there, and he knew it, biding their time to strike back! However, he was still a loyal member of the UAC so he could not just galivant on a quest against their wishes, still, they were other ways to help. On his way to his office, he was met by a familiar figure, his longtime partner Artemis Wolf. The mohawk-wearing brown wolf calmly greeted him as he approached, "Commander." "Artemis, old chap! What do I owe this visit!" he said as cheerfully as ever. "There's a call for you sir, private channel." He replied. "Really now, well don't just stan there let's see it." The commander said eagerly. Handing him a communicator, he was surprised at what was on the other side, the Supreme Samurai Lizard Commander!

"Lisen here mutt, this is a matter of great importance! As you know, we would normally stay clear of involving with your coalition, but the matter is far to important now. We had a breakout yesterday; an entire clan of disgraced samurai warrior were broken free by notorious criminal Al Negator. They left our world in what appeared to be a toad ship, we would normally deal with this ourselves, but we lost to many men during the assault. I have heard you have experience dealing with toads, so I have taken it upon myself to inform you of this. I wish you fortune with your quest, you will need it." That was all the message held. Shutting the device down, the commander quietly turned around and made his way to his ship.

"Sir?" Artemis asked. "Come along old friend, it seems we have a tip to check out," he said confidently. This was his opportunity, going off in a baseless hunch was a no-go, but going off to confirm a direct warning, that was acceptable. Making it to the hanger he was met with a beautiful sight. The Indefatigable, the second of three frigates commissioned by the UAC for S.P.A.C.E. Like its sister ship, the Righteous Indignation, it is a refitted Banana Runner; formerly used for police service, but with some noticeable differences to its sister ship.

Instead of featuring a single maser canon mounted on it forward ball turret, it is armed with torpedo launchers and rear mounted lasers. It spawns four dorsal fins in a X formation, each mounted with a booster for greater manoeuvrability in an atmosphere. Its purpose was to patrol mammal space for any Toad intrusion and push back any invading force from mammal territory, and that was just what they were about to do!

Boarding the vessel, he walked over to one of his crewmembers, Android Second Class Rumble Bee. The robotic bee saluting his commanding officer as he approached, "Rumble, pull up the Righteous Indignation's last transmission and triangulate its location, I have a feeling we'll find what we're looking for there!" he said with gusto. Nodding, the A.S.C. as he got to work, Dogstar made his way to the captain's chair preparing for the journey ahead.

Leaving the lush fields of Genus behind, the crew of the Indefatigable found themselves in a secluded part of space. "Is this the right spot?" the commander pondered aloud? "That's what the computer says, sir!" responded Artemis said next to him. "Well then, now use standing here, come now men let's get searching!" he said in a commanding tone. He was sure there had to be something, some evidence of what had happened to the others. Having served as a policeman for so many years had given him a keen eye for this sort of thing, he would get to the bottom of this!

Suddenly, gunnery sergeant Digger McSquint called out to him, "Commander, multiple large signals ahead of us!". Looking at his monitor, he saw the same thing, it was clear to him that their quarry was close. "Full speed ahead boys, let's see what those toads are plotting!" he said as the ship moved forwards. Sticking close to the asteroids, they could see a gran gathering of ships of both Saurian and toad designs. "Quickly, tap into their coms, let's see what they're plotting!" he ordered intensely. Following commands, they manage to tap into the signal, and upon doing so they were met by a very distinctive voice. "KOMPLEX!" they all cried out as the massage continued playing from their coms, "The time of the warm-blooded is at an end and our time has ONLY JUST BEGUN!" Upon hearing this a massive energy signature appeared on their sensors as a massive swirling portal opened before them. As the ships began crossing the mysterious portal Commander Dogstar knew exactly what had to be done!

"Quickly, follow them!" was the last thing he said as he crossed the threshold between dimensions.

Back aboard the Great Fox, both S.P.A.C.E. crews explored their surroundings. Having decided to split up, most of the Mimi's crew had decided to head over to the bridge in hopes of helping get their ship ready. Bruiser and Willy had decided to tack along with them, one to help with the heavy lifting the other eager to explore the new tech around him. Jenny and Felicia had gone to a secluded area, apparently needing to discuss some things, knowing his first mate Bucky guessed the poor princess was getting an earful. This left him, Captain LaFloo, and Dead-Eye, who had insisted on keeping an eye out for him, to made their way to the main bridge. This ship was impressive, he still had trouble believing what he saw. Sure, he had seen bigger ships, but this was different. Those other ships had been imposing, this was a home designed to take a beating and keep on going. He wishes he could explore every inch of it, but duty called, his first order of business was making sure the Aniverse remained safe and that meant stopping the toads. He wasn't sure why they had chosen this place, but he could quest, they were probably after their weaponry! This made making it to Corneria that much more important, if they were attacked unprepared, he was sure they would be overrun, their confusion hindering their ability to fight back. But if he warned them, they could prepare and help put an end to them once and for all.

Making it to the bridge, he was surprised to only find Peppy and Fox on the controls, Peppy currently working with the comm system while Fox was doing maintenance on his gun. "Peppy, Fox, good to see you! Where are the others!" Bucky greeted them. "Oh, they decided to make sure our guests were fine. Slippy was already in the hangers working with your ships. Falco is probably making sure nobody wanders off. I'm not sure where Krystal is doe, she said she wanted to talk to you first mate?" Fox informed them. "Well, that'll be an interesting conversation. So, you're the person I owe mine and my crew's life." Mimi responded with a grin. "Thanks for that handsome." She said with a sultry voice. Bucky just rolled his eyes, having gotten used to it by now. Fox surprisingly, just laugh, "Great, another Katt." he heard him mumbling, "Thanks! But it was actually our friend Katt that found you guys, we just did what we could to help." He told her. "Well, thanks for that anyways. Not many would go to all that trouble for strangers. So, tell me, how can we make it up to you." She said sincerely. "Just having your help with what's to come will be good enough." He told her. "And we will!" Bucky informed him, "Have you had any look contacting the Cornerian fleet?" he asked him. "Nothing so far but we're trying," Peppy informed them. "Wait, I'm picking up something!" he added suddenly. "It's a call to arms for all Cornerian ships, something happening on Fortuna!"

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's check it out!" Fox said. Turning to the others he asked, "About that help?" "Say no more, my crew is always ready for a fight!" Bucky told him. "Mine as well!" Mimi said in agreement.

"Well people, looks like were heading for Fortuna!"

Author's Note:

Hello readers, thankyou for your patience with this chapter. I have to announce that I will be taking a small break from this story. I just don't feel like people are enjoying it, plus I'm starting do develop some writers block. I do have a plan for where the story will go, and I want to get there, but it feels like there isn't that much interest in this story. If you disagree, feel free to leave a comment. I'm not cancelling this story doe, just giving it a short break, thanks for reading.